Wifi adapter a wireless network for a computer / laptop is a special device that allows you to receive a signal from a router. As well as access points, repeaters, or any other device that broadcasts the Internet using this method of data transmission. Today I will tell you how to choose the right one for your computer or laptop.
Types of wifi adapters for computer and laptop
In most cases, a wifi network adapter in a laptop is already built-in from the factory. It is placed inside the case itself, and the typical wi-fi icon will certainly be present on the lid or in the instructions. A stationary computer most often does not have one. Especially if you assembled it yourself. In this case, you can use an external wireless adapter connected via USB connector... Also, this type is suitable for a laptop if the built-in module is out of order, which happens quite often.
What is a Wi-Fi wireless network adapter for?
A WiFi adapter is required to connect a computer, laptop or TV to the Internet via a wireless signal. Without a network adapter, neither a computer nor a laptop can be connected to the Internet via a wifi router.
So if you decide that you need a Wi-Fi adapter, then before going to the store for this device, let's get acquainted with their types.
Despite all the disadvantages, for home, I would choose the option with USB, since it can be used not only on a PC, but also on any laptop that has this port. It looks like a USB flash drive, and the size is from very small to quite voluminous.
Characteristics of wireless WiFi adapters for laptop and computer
In addition to classification by type built-in / external, when choosing a network wifi adapter, you must pay attention to its technical characteristics.
- First, you need to choose a device that supports the latest data transmission standard - at a frequency of 2.4 GHz with a speed of up to 300 Mbps - 802.11 N.
If you have a dual-band router, that is, supporting the 5 GHz frequency range, then you can significantly increase the speed and stability of the connection - up to 700 Mbps according to the 802.11 AC standard. And although they cost a little more, choosing such a thing for yourself you save from possible problems in the future - the technique is aging very quickly.
- Secondly, you need to pay attention to the power of the receiving antenna. The most optimal option is from 20 dBM. This characteristic is indicated in the instructions. By choosing this parameter, you provide yourself with a more stable reception of not very strong signals.
- A good feature is the presence of a connector for connecting an external antenna. In more expensive models of wireless wifi adapters, it is already included in the kit, most often, non-removable. In cheap ones, on the contrary, it is hidden inside the device case. However, the presence of such a connector will allow you to purchase a more powerful antenna separately. A gain of 3 dBi (decibel) is recommended for this type of antenna.
The picture below shows the most inexpensive option with a built-in antenna. The speed in such models usually does not exceed 150 Mbps, so they are suitable only for performing simple office tasks on the Internet.
Bigger size - more powerful filling
More powerful - with an external detachable antenna
And the most powerful - multiple antennas + USB extension cable
- Another positive point is the included USB extension cable adapter. It is convenient when the computer is somewhere under the table, to bring the receiver unit itself to the surface to improve the quality of communication.
By the way, the external module with antennas is also found on PCI models.
- Supports WPA / WPA2 and WPA-PSK / WPA2-PSK encryption types. These are the most advanced wireless security standards available today and help keep intruders away from attackers.
- Support for various connection modes. The main mode of any wifi adapter of a wireless network is from the access point to the client, that is, you receive a signal from the router to it, thanks to which the computer has the Internet. But there is one more mode - Ad-Hoc (client-client). It will allow you to directly connect two client computers bypassing the router.
- Various additional characteristics
How to choose a Wi-Fi adapter for a computer or laptop?
In accordance with the above parameters, you can already figure out which model of wifi adapter to choose for your computer. As I said, the USB type is more versatile and is suitable not only for a desktop PC, but also for a laptop. And maybe a tablet or even a TV.
In principle, for home, if your router is located next to the table, you can choose any one. Preferences only for firms and additional characteristics. Such as, for example, support for the priority of applications for multimedia (QoS) or technology for automatic configuration of WPS connection parameters. You can buy such an adapter within 1000 rubles. If you want to use your computer in different combinations of wireless connections and have stable reception in difficult conditions, then take the model more seriously. For one and a half or two thousand and more.
Which adapter to choose?
There are countless manufacturers of USB wifi adapters. But I recommend taking exactly the company whose devices you already have on the network - the condition is not mandatory, but this way you will achieve maximum compatibility and stability of work. If you have an Asus router, then it is better to take the adapter from this company. If Zyxel, then Zixel.
Any wifi adapter comes with a CD with drivers that need to be installed. And also most likely there will be a special utility for applying network settings. For example, this is how the interface for a device from Trendnet looks like:
However, I recommend using it only if you have a buggy Windows XP. On Windows 7, 8, 10 and up, the built-in wireless software does a great job on its own - just the drivers are enough.
If there is no disk, then they can be easily downloaded from the network. Best of all from the manufacturer's official website. In the same place, you can most likely download the instruction, since only a small short guide is attached when buying.
The official sites of all large companies that produce network equipment, I cited in. By the way, it also contains some practical tips, many of which are also suitable for choosing a wireless network adapter.
How to connect a wi-fi network adapter to a computer and laptop?
Let's now look at how to connect a wifi network adapter to a PC or laptop.
First of all, it should be inserted into the USB connector. It is best not to use any adapters for this, namely the slots located at the back of the computer case. They are directly connected to the motherboard, so the connection will be better. In most cases, this does not apply to a laptop, since few people use adapters. If it's not a MacBook, of course.
A notification will appear on the Windows desktop that a new device has been detected in the system.
If it is not installed automatically, then insert the CDs and start the installation. Along with the firewood, you can also supply a special utility. With its help, you can not only connect, but later set the network parameters in more detail.
To connect the adapter of a laptop or computer to wifi, click on the icon of wireless connections that appears in the lower right corner in the taskbar.
A list of networks available for connection will open. Next, select the one to which we go to connect, and enter the password from it.
Then the computer will connect to the Internet.
Hopefully this article will help you with choosing the right WiFi adapter. Read about that in another article. I answer all questions in the comments.
Video on connecting and configuring a wireless wifi adapter
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It often happens that a direct internet connection is not enough. This can be due to completely different reasons. To solve this problem, there is a fairly simple way out - Wi-Fi. However, not all devices support this function. There is a perfect solution widely available in the market. This article will help you choose a Wi-Fi adapter. But before getting to the point, you may need some details.
Wi-Fi adapter - what is it and what is it for?
Before choosing a Wi-Fi adapter for yourself, you should figure out what kind of device it is and how it works. In simple terms, the adapter allows you to use Wi-Fi on any device. In more detail, this is a device, internal or external, that expands the functionality of portable and stationary computers and various media centers. The adapter allows you to use a wireless computer network based on the IEEE 802.11 standard.
Despite the apparent variety on the market, there are not so many types of adapters themselves. There are currently two types. These are external and internal, respectively Usb and PCI. Which one suits you is determined by your device or its internal functionality.
PCI adapters
Internal adapters are suitable only for stationary computers and laptops, as they are installed directly into the system unit or into the case of a laptop. These devices resemble a microcircuit with antennas or a micro-card.
Before deciding to buy such a device, you need to make sure that there is a PCI slot in your device.
Installation of the internal adapter for the system unit is as follows:
Your internal WI-Fi transmitter is ready from the technical side, it remains to configure the software part. The adapter comes with a disk / flash drive with a driver for your device. Insert the disc and follow the instructions of the program.
Internal device pluses:
- reliable, more powerful signal;
- stable work 24 hours a day;
- free USB ports, which wear out quickly with frequent use;
- the ability to replace antennas with more powerful ones;
- the absence of any external signs, except for the antenna;
- affordability.
Possible disadvantages:
- the complexity of the installation, requiring knowledge of the technical features of the PC and the system unit in particular;
- availability only on personal computers and laptops;
- long uninstallation of the device.
External Wi-Fi adapters
External Wi-Fi receivers have the visual appearance of a USB device, usually of a small size. Sometimes they are almost indistinguishable from a flash drive. Antennas may also be present. Suitable for all devices with a USB port: both laptops, media centers and PCs.
These devices are not designed for 24/7 use. If you use the internal adapter constantly, the model will fail very quickly. You can buy a higher quality model to smooth this point, but it won't completely avoid wear.
Also, external models are more susceptible to damage from careless use, or simply from poor-quality assembly of a cheap model. This usually happens when you try to force the adapter to the computer / device.
Video review of the mini Wi-Fi adapter:
The main advantages of using external devices are mobility, wireless system, and ease of installation and operation. In rare cases, the package contains a disk with drivers, most often after placing the USB Wi-Fi adapter into the port, the device automatically installs and self-configures.
Positive sides:
- Mobility;
- Easy to install on all devices;
- Ease of use;
- The ability to use on multiple devices;
- Quick uninstallation;
Possible cons:
- Occupies a USB port;
- Wears out ports with frequent use;
- More expensive than internal analogs;
- Not designed for 24/7 continuous operation;
- It is easy to damage if used carelessly;
After you have decided on the choice of the type of network adapter, you should understand the models themselves. A few guidelines will help you with this.
Try to get a device with the highest traffic speed. This will reduce the loss of speed of your ISP to an imperceptible minimum. Remember that it doesn't work the other way around. Even the most powerful Wi-Fi adapter in the world will not be able to accelerate the upper limit that is specified in your contract.
Pay attention to the antenna power. If your router is at your fingertips or somewhere nearby, then you don't need to pay special attention to this. And if further, then it is worth taking a device with a capacity of at least twenty dB.
Don't worry too much about compatibility between your device and your router. They can be from different manufacturers, but they are still compatible. Only very old models can get caught as an exception.
Also, almost all adapters can be installed on any version of Windows: from XP to the modern dozen. To verify this, look at the characteristics of the selected model. In addition, they are suitable for Mac OS as well.
Misconceptions about adapters
Don't assume all adapters are identical, unworthy of the time to familiarize yourself. Many models differ from each other. Even the models of the same company have different characteristics, suitable for completely different needs.
Also, in no case save on the receiver model if it fits your conditions perfectly. Better one, slightly more expensive purchase for many years than several relatively small ones. This will save you time as well as eliminate internet problems in the process.
There is a myth about the poor quality of goods produced in China. This statement has nothing to do with reality. The only important thing is which manufacturer ordered and who manufactured the device.
Support video for choosing a Wi-Fi adapter:
We live in a business world, and you need to keep this in mind when communicating with the seller. The ideal consultant will certainly help you choose the right Wi-Fi adapter for your device. But even he acts as an intermediary between your interests and the interests of the store.
Therefore, the best consultant when choosing a device is yourself. The main thing is not to be overly arrogant: ignorance of the adapter's features and a cursory acquaintance with the characteristics will not help you choose a good device.
Internal and external Wi-Fi transmitters are very different, and you've probably already decided which type is right for you. There is little left to do: decide on the model and power for your needs and go shopping.
If you have a regular stationary computer, and the Internet is connected via a Wi-Fi router, then there are at least two ways that you can connect a PC to a router.
Let's look at both options:
- With a network cable. In this case, there is one big minus and one big plus. The downside is that you need to lay a network cable from the router to the computer. And if the router is installed near the PC, then this is not a problem. But it is not always possible to stretch the cable. It is not always convenient and beautiful. Well, the plus is that the cable connection is more stable, and the Internet speed will be higher.
- Via Wi-Fi network, using a special adapter. In stationary computers, as a rule, there are no built-in Wi-Fi adapters, and in order to connect a PC to a wireless network, this adapter must be purchased, installed and configured. This is not a problem, but an additional cost. But no wires. I wrote about this in the article:.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what Wi-Fi adapters for a PC are, what to look for when choosing, and how to choose a suitable adapter for a stationary computer. It should be noted that the USB adapters that will be discussed in this article can also be used on laptops without any problems. If the built-in module is broken, or does not work for some other reason.
Until you choose a Wi-Fi adapter, you can use your Android mobile device instead. How to set it all up, I wrote in the article.
Perhaps you have another router, then you can try to configure it as a receiver according to the instructions.
What are Wi-Fi adapters? Determining the connection interface
First of all, I advise you to decide on the interface through which the adapter will be connected to the stationary computer. The most popular are USB and PCI Express. There is also PCMCIA (mainly for laptops), but they are no longer very relevant, therefore, we will not consider them. Let's take a closer look at receivers that are connected via USB and PCI.
I think you have decided on the connection interface. As for other characteristics, there are no differences between USB and PCI. The information below applies to Wi-Fi adapters with different interfaces.
Choosing a Wi-Fi receiver by specifications
After you have decided on the connection interface, you need to look at other specifications. Basically, this is one metric: the data transfer rate over the wireless Wi-Fi network. This determines the speed of the Internet connection that you get on your computer when connected via a Wi-Fi receiver.
Also pay attention to the gain of the Wi-Fi network. I looked at different adapters, as a rule, the characteristics do not indicate the power of the antennas. If your computer is installed far from the router, where the signal is not very stable, then take a receiver with external antennas for good Wi-Fi signal reception. The system unit is usually installed on the floor. Therefore, for better reception, the adapter can be connected via a USB extension cable. (if you have an external model) and put it on the table.
Wi-Fi standard, support 802.11ac (5 GHz)
At the time of this writing (end of March 2017) most of the adapters with support for the 802.11n standard are on sale. Wireless speed up to 300Mbps (may be higher)... The cheapest Wi-Fi adapters provide speeds up to 150 Mbps. I would advise buying such adapters only when you need to save a lot. Better, of course, to buy a receiver with a speed of up to 300 Mbps, and even better with support for the modern 802.11ac standard.
Also, by connecting the Internet to a computer via a network cable, and installing a Wi-Fi adapter, you can not receive, but distribute Wi-Fi. How to do this, I wrote in the article:.
If your PC was previously connected to the Internet via cable, then after connecting via Wi-Fi, the connection speed may drop significantly. This is okay, and it does not mean that you did something wrong, or that you configured something incorrectly. True, it all depends on how much the speed has dropped. You can find tips on how to increase the speed of your Wi-Fi connection in the article.
In the comments, you can leave your question, or share useful information on this topic!
In this article I will talk about Wi-Fi adapters for laptops. What is it and why are they needed, where they are, what they look like, how to replace, configure, etc. I think the article will be useful to everyone who has problems with setting up and connecting to a Wi-Fi network. And especially for those who have a broken internal adapter in a laptop. This, unfortunately, sometimes happens.
In laptops, the Wi-Fi module is internal. It is connected to the laptop motherboard, or soldered into it. But in newer models, the wireless module is usually soldered into the board. Wi-Fi antennas are connected to it. Which very often simply do not connect after cleaning from dust, or other repairs, etc.
As a rule, there are no problems with connecting laptops to wireless networks. There are snags with the drivers for this built-in Wi-Fi module. Either there is no driver for the installed Windows, then the "curve" driver, or the user himself will install the wrong driver. Also, the module itself can be disabled in the settings.
If there is no Wi-Fi on the laptop, does this mean that the internal module is broken?
No, not required. If there is no Wireless, WLAN, 802.11 adapter in the device manager, then it is quite possible that the problem is in the driver. Or the adapter is disabled. True, when it is disabled, or works with an error, then in the device manager, on the network adapters tab, it should still be displayed. It may have a yellow exclamation mark next to it, or it will be inactive (slightly transparent).
Below you can see what the wireless model looks like in Device Manager on my laptop. When it works fine.
You can also enable the display of hidden devices if the adapter is not there. Perhaps it will appear, and you can activate it by right-clicking on it.
I have already written many articles about solving various problems with wireless adapters. Below I will provide links to some of them, and you do not necessarily have to look and check everything on your laptop.
- (large and detailed article).
- If .
If all else fails, then it may well be that your module itself just burned out (or something else). I will tell you what to do in this situation below. But I would also try to reinstall Windows and install the driver downloaded from the official site.
What to do if the Wi-Fi module on the laptop is broken?
If you have tried everything and nothing works, or the internal module is buggy, then you need to replace it.
Your laptop may still be under warranty. If so, give it to a service center, let them replace the module itself, or the motherboard. If there is no guarantee, then you can take the laptop to the workshop and pay for the repair.
Yes, you can disassemble a laptop, find a wireless module in it, order somewhere the same (or another manufacturer), and replace it yourself. But there are two problems:
- Not everyone understands this. And if you have already decided to do this, then remember that you do everything at your own peril and risk. You can make it even worse, and be left not only without Wi-Fi, but also without a laptop.
- As I already wrote, in most new laptops the WLAN module is soldered into the board. It just can't be replaced.
You can connect your laptop to the Internet using a network cable. The solution is not very good, but as an option - maybe.
The simplest solution is a USB Wi-Fi adapter
There are many external USB adapters on the market. I already wrote an article on how to choose them, and gave the link at the beginning of this article. Many manufacturers have compact adapters that are great for laptops. They are no larger than a wireless mouse or keyboard adapter. I have such a nano adapter - TP-Link TL-WN725N.
It protrudes from the laptop body by 0.5 centimeters.
Connected, installed the driver (in Windows 10 everything is automatic) and you can connect to the Internet.
Not only TP-Link has such compact models. You can look at some online store.
It is a quick and easy replacement for the internal Wi-Fi module. Yes, it takes up 1 USB port, and sticks out a little, but better than with a cable.
Most modern laptops and other mobile devices are equipped with Wi-Fi receivers that allow you to connect to wireless networks. However, this does not always apply to stationary PCs, which are designed for a wired connection due to their characteristics. But for many users it is vitally important to connect a stationary computer to Wi-Fi - this allows you to get rid of the laying of wires during the finished repair, as well as to increase the convenience of interaction of various devices in the same network.
To do this, it is not at all necessary to purchase a PC with a built-in wireless communication module - it is enough to install an additional receiver. We will consider what Wi-Fi adapters for computers are, what their technical parameters may be, and which specific models should be preferred.
Any desktop computer can be upgraded for Wi-Fi
First of all, it is worth deciding which interface you will use to connect the adapter to the computer. The most popular is the portable USB receiver. In terms of size, such devices do not differ from large flash drives, so you can even carry them in your pocket or on a key ring. Adapters using the USB interface are ideal for people who often use different computers and laptops, as they are designed for frequent reconnections. However, such a receiver has a very serious drawback - models with external antennas are extremely rare, so the range of the wireless connection will be minimal.
Also, the adapter can be connected to the PCI Express connector, which is located on the computer's motherboard. In fact, such a receiver is a network card for a computer with the ability to work in a conventional wireless network. The PCI Express interface provides a better power supply to the module, so it will be easy to connect a PC to Wi-Fi even if the router is far enough away. Built-in adapters usually have internal or external antennas of high power, so the user will not have any serious problems with the quality of the connection.
For a laptop or a modern computer in Net-top format, you can purchase a receiver that is installed in the PCMCIA "expansion slot" or its counterparts from various manufacturers of electronic equipment. Such a Wi-Fi adapter looks like an oblong card devoid of any protrusions (like the model with a USB plug, you can carry it in your pocket). An unambiguous advantage of the PCMCIA interface is the ability to install an additional module without restarting the computer, as well as the absence of protruding parts, unlike USB adapters. However, the problems remain the same - the built-in antenna cannot provide stable reception of information at a great distance from the router.
Technical specifications
Most people make the mistake of buying a desktop Wi-Fi receiver. They are sure that all devices, without exception, use standard parameters, so there are no significant differences between them. This is absolutely wrong, because adapters differ in signal strength, which determines the quality of reception at a sufficiently long distance. A typical figure for the modern home and medium office is 20 dBM. If it is lower, using such a device, it will be possible to connect a PC to a Wi-Fi network only in a small apartment.
The antenna gain is also important - the higher it is, the greater the reception radius of the computer. However, one should not focus on exorbitant values, since such adapters will be expensive and, moreover, will consume too much power. To connect a PC to a wireless network via a USB receiver, you should choose a model with a gain of 2 dBi, and for a built-in device with an external antenna, you should focus on an indicator of 5 dBi.
Finally, you need to pay close attention to the wireless standards that the adapter supports. It is worth immediately abandoning devices using connection protocols B or G - they provide data transfer at a speed not exceeding 16 Mbit / s. Despite the frank obsolescence of such communication standards, many manufacturers still release USB receivers that support them. It is worth purchasing such models only in one case - when you are looking for a cheap device that you will use very rarely.
To connect your computer to the WAN at a fast enough speed, choose an N adapter - its maximum bandwidth is up to 300 Mbps. Practice shows that this is quite enough for watching movies online, downloading large multimedia files, as well as surfing the Internet and other purposes. And only if you will be using a PC to work with professional applications or for cutting-edge online games, you will need to buy an AC receiver that can transmit up to 10 gigabits per second. It is almost useless to search for USB adapters that support Wi-Fi AC - they are quite expensive and usually come in the form of plug-ins.
Remember that it is useless to purchase a receiver that does not comply with the Wi-Fi standard used by your router. Even if you buy the latest device that uses a high-speed data transfer protocol, a Type G router will not allow your computer to connect to the Internet at speeds exceeding 16 Mbps. Therefore, it is worth taking a look at the characteristics of your existing wireless network before purchasing an adapter.
Top Models
External receiver
To connect your PC to a wireless network, you should choose the D-Link DWA-127 receiver. Unlike numerous USB counterparts, it features a full-size antenna that provides superior signal amplification. Thanks to this, the adapter can work at any distance from the router without dropping the data transfer rate. Of course, for a USB receiver, an external antenna is not only an advantage, but also a significant disadvantage - it will be inconvenient to carry it in your pocket. However, when connected to a stationary PC, this problem is unlikely to be relevant.
An adapter that supports the N data transfer standard is a reasonable solution, given its widespread use in modern electronics and the limited bandwidth of the USB 2.0 interface. Its body contains a WPS key, designed to connect to a router in automatic mode. Such a device would be ideal for a modern computer equipped with a sufficient number of USB ports - it provides a stable connection and does not require any effort to install.
Built-in model
The phrase "Cheap and cheerful" is the best way to describe the ASUS PCI-N10 adapter. This model costs about 800-1000 rubles, but in terms of its parameters it is not inferior to analogs with a price 3-5 times higher. The main advantage of the device is the use of a special technology that allows it to be installed as a virtual router to which you can connect another computer or mobile device. This scheme is often used by small businesses - to expand the range of a Wi-Fi network, not expensive routers are used, but adapters for stationary computers.
The device supports the N data transmission standard and provides connection speeds up to 300 Mbps. The PCI Express slot has a sufficiently large bandwidth, so there will be no delays when watching multimedia content online. The user can connect the computer to a wireless network using any type of data encryption. On the back panel of the adapter there is a WPS button, designed for automated connection with a router.
For laptops
Of course, most laptops are equipped with built-in Wi-Fi communication modules and do not need to install an additional adapter, but there are exceptions. Examples of these are mobile workstations, as well as specialized mobile computers that are designed to perform a limited range of functions. The D-Link DWA-645 PCMCIA card was specially developed for them, which uses the N data transfer standard, which provides a connection speed of up to 300 Mbps. It has a relatively low cost - about 700-850 rubles, which makes it affordable for every user.
The D-Link DWA-645 user has access to a proprietary application that allows him to analyze the used Wi-Fi networks, determining the connections with the best speed. In addition, with its help, it is possible to select the optimal wireless channel, its width and other parameters for the router. RangeBooster N technology significantly increases the range of stable signal reception in comparison with similar devices. The transmitter power is 17 dBM - an excellent indicator for a compact device built into a laptop or stationary PC. The adapter can be recommended to anyone who needs a stable connection to a wireless network, but does not want to use receivers with large antennas protruding outward.
Modern options
Combo adapters are now available for users who appreciate the versatility of any device. They provide a robust wireless connection that is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compliant, Miralink, Apple AirPlay and more. In addition, in stores, there are often adapters designed to establish a direct connection with mobile devices without the participation of a router - they are created using WiMax or Wi-Fi Direct technology. However, only users who own several mobile devices, as well as home electronics that are wirelessly controlled, can find sense in purchasing them. In other cases, it is better to give preference to the options described above, since they combine such advantages as practicality, economy and ease of installation.
